BMW Reports 2010 Results

S1000RR tops BMW US sales

The German manufacturer shipped 98,047 units in 2010 compared to 87,306 motorcycles in 2009. BMW reported growth in almost every market including a 4% increase in the U.S. despite a double-digit downturn for the industry.

“The 2010 motorcycle season was a delightful year for us. Our range of innovative models met with great customer interest all over the world,” says Hendrik von Kuenheim, head of BMW Motorrad. “Not only could we sell 10,741 more motorcycles than in the previous year, but at the same time we were able to considerably strengthen our market position in a highly discouraging market environment. Our market share rose to an all time high, and by December BMW Motorrad was the volume leader on eleven markets.”

Germany remains BMW’s strongest market with 17,816 units sold (up from 15,833 in 2009). BMW claims a 21.5% share of the German market including 23.2% in the 500cc and over market. BMW also reports strong results in Italy where its 14,386 units represent an 18.4% share of the market. BMW Italy saw a 10% growth in sales in 2010, putting it within reach of taking over as volume leader in that market.

BMW’s most successful model was once again the R1200GS with 18,768 units sold in 2010. The Adventure version of the R1200GS was second with 11,648 units sold. The R1200RT, which received the same DOHC engine update as the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, was third at 11,132 units.

The S1000RR was another successful model with 10,209 units delivered. In the U.S., the S1000RR actually surpassed the R1200GS to become BMW’s highest-selling model, though no specific figures were released.

BMW predicts continued growth in 2011 with the introduction of the six-cylinder K1600GT and K1600GTL as well as the updated R1200R and the new G650GS.

“The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL should give motorcyclists a compelling reason to head down to their local BMW dealer this spring,” says Mac McMath, national sales manager for BMW Motorrad USA. “We expect strong sales from these bikes as nearly 400 customers have placed deposits for them since we kicked off our pre-sale program in late December.”